Monday, 8 February 2021
Men’s world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia was among the winners on the opening day of the Australian Open Tennis Championships at Melbourne Park.
The top seed dispatched France’s Jeremy Chardy for the loss of just six games – 6-3 6-1 6-2 during the night session on the Rod Laver Arena.
It was a good day for the majority of seeded players on the men’s side with third seed Dominic Thiem of Austria also a straight sets winner on the Rod Laver Arena, as he overcame Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan 7-6 6-2 6-3.
Serena Williams races through 1st round at Australian Open
After briefly falling behind, Williams swept 10 consecutive games and beat Laura Siegemund on the first day of the tournament.
Credit: AP
United States Serena Williams runs to return a shot to Germany s Laura Siegemund during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Author: Associated Press Updated: 2:03 AM PST February 8, 2021
Serena Williams arrived ready to race at the Australian Open.
In a colorful one-legged catsuit she said was inspired by former Olympic champion Florence Griffith Joyner, Williams shook off a wobbly start opening with a double-fault and dropping her first service game to sweep 10 consecutive games and beat Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-1 on the first day of the tournament.